FLINT, MI - After pacing back and forth in the front lobby of her office while on the phone, Flint Mayor Karen Weaver came out with a smile across her face.

"We can finally start seeing a light at the end of the tunnel and we will continue to stay positive, we have to stick together and that way we can continue to move Flint forward," she said during a press conference Saturday evening, just inside the doors of city hall after President Barack Obama signed an emergency declaration to help in Flint's water crisis.

The declaration means the Federal Emergency Management Agency has been approved to provide assistance for up to 90 days for resources including water, filters, replacement cartridges and test kits for residents, according to a statement from the governor's office.

Resources totaling up to $5 million can be used for federal emergencies, with a state match required of 25 percent. Additional funding would be possible, if approved by Congress. A major disaster declaration called for by Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, typically used for natural events, fires, floods or explosions, was denied. The state is reviewing the appeal process following the denial.

Weaver said she has not spoken directly with the president, but she has been in contact with people inside his administration "and we're hoping to set some things up."

"I'd like to have some meetings set up where we can talk about Flint and discuss what's going on here," said Weaver, adding she would like a sit-down with the President if possible during his scheduled visit to the Detroit auto show.

"The fight is not over, but this is a huge hurdle that we have surpassed, so to all of the people not only in Flint, but the state of Michigan and all around the country, we have to say thank you, thank you very much," said Weaver.